Chapter 171
Chapter 171
Freya's POV
Two days later, I stood outside Master Emmett's office, staring at the certification results in my hands like they might disappear if I blinked too hard.
"Master Emmett," I called out, pushing open his door. "This certification result... you didn't mix up the paperwork, did you? I actually passed?"
Emmett looked up from his desk, a rare smile crossing his weathered features. "Yes, Freya. Not only did you pass, but you're one of the most impressive new warriors we've seen in years."
I sank into the chair across from him, still clutching the paper. "I only managed to win by using powers that weren't... normal. I thought..."
"Your performance in those three consecutive battles showed remarkable resilience and combat intelligence," Emmett said, leaning back in his chair.
"Your training time was short, yes, but your potential and willpower more than compensated for your lack of experience," he continued. "The way you adapted your fighting style to each opponent, using strategy over brute force - that's the mark of a true warrior."
His words echoed in my mind as I made my way back to the dormitory to pack. Part of me still couldn't believe I'd actually done it.
---
An hour later, I stood on the steps of the training facility with my duffel bag, looking out at the sprawling practice grounds one last time.
"Freya!" Molly's voice broke through my thoughts as she jogged over, slightly out of breath. "I can't believe you're leaving already."
She grabbed my hands, her eyes bright with excitement and sadness. "You have to promise me - when I get some time off, can I come visit you?"
I squeezed her hands, genuinely touched. "Of course you can. Anytime you want."
'She's one of the few genuine friends I've made here.'
"Just don't let the Moon Shadow Pack turn you into some stuffy Luna," Molly teased, but there was real affection in her voice.
"Never," I laughed. "You'll always be welcome."
Alexander's black SUV pulled up to the curb, and I felt that familiar flutter in my stomach.
"That's my ride," I said, picking up my bag.
Molly glanced at the car, then back at me with a knowing grin. "Lucky you. That Alpha of yours looks like he missed you."
---
I slid into the back seat, immediately caught off guard by how Alexander was watching me. His eyes traced over my face like he was memorizing every detail.
"Staring much?" I asked, but I couldn't keep the smile out of my voice.
He reached over and wound a strand of my hair around his finger. "Can't help it. Missed having you around to argue with."
I turned to look out the window at the training facility shrinking behind us. 'It feels strange to leave. Like I'm closing a chapter.'
"Having second thoughts?" Alexander asked, noticing my expression.
I faced him again, decision made. "Actually, I need to ask you for a favor."
He raised an eyebrow. "Shoot."
"Helena. She's incredibly skilled in every area, and I was wondering if you could..." I paused, choosing my words carefully. "Maybe give her a shot at joining Moon Shadow Pack's core positions?"
Alexander's tone was neutral, but I could see him processing the request.
I crossed my arms and turned away slightly, putting on my best wounded expression. "If you can't even help me with something this small, how am I supposed to believe you're serious about us?"
'Dramatic? Maybe. Effective? Definitely.'
Alexander's eyes darkened with amusement as he pulled me closer to him. "So now you're trying to bribe me?"
I settled against his chest, trailing my finger in lazy circles over his shirt. "That depends on how efficiently you handle this request."
His muscles tensed under my touch, and I felt rather than heard his sharp intake of breath.
"Freya," he warned, his voice rougher. "Don't start something you can't finish."
I could feel the change in his body temperature, the way his grip on me tightened slightly. "Otherwise, I might just have Caleb pull over right now."
He leaned down to nip at my earlobe, his breath warm against my skin. "Do you have any idea what the last two weeks have been like? Being a monk while you were off playing warrior?"
'Oh, this is getting dangerous.'
I squirmed out of his arms, my cheeks heating up. "Alexander!"
He shifted in his seat, crossing his legs in a way that was definitely strategic, and gave me a look that was pure predator. "Keep playing with fire like that, and when we get home, I'll let you burn everything down."
'Why does he have to be so... intense about everything?'
But even as I tried to look scandalized, I couldn't deny the thrill that ran through me at his words.
Alexander was already pulling out his phone, hitting someone's number without taking his eyes off me.
"Tyler, I need you to prioritize someone for core pack placement. Helena - she's finishing up at the facility this week. Make it happen."
He hung up and turned to me with a satisfied expression. "Efficiency rating?"
I held up my thumb with exaggerated enthusiasm.
---
As we pulled through the gates of Moon Shadow Pack Estate, I spotted the familiar figures waiting on the front steps. My heart immediately lifted.
"Mommy!" Three small voices chorused as the car stopped.
Before I could even get my seatbelt off, Luke, Lily, and Levi were rushing toward the car. I dropped to my knees and opened my arms just in time to catch all three of them.
"My babies," I breathed, holding them tight. "Did you miss Mommy?"
"So much!" Levi declared, squeezing my neck hard enough to cut off circulation.
Lily pulled back to study my face critically. "Mommy, you got thinner. Didn't they feed you enough there?"
Luke, always the practical one, chimed in, "Was the food really that bad, Mom?"
I laughed, overwhelmed by how much I'd missed these little moments. "The food was fine, sweethearts."
That's when I noticed Levi's significantly rounder cheeks. I couldn't resist pinching them gently.
"Well, well. Looks like someone's been eating very well while I was away," I teased.
"I didn't get fat!" Levi protested, but his indignant expression only made his chubby cheeks more pronounced.
Luke crossed his arms with a smirk. "He's been eating at Global Star Entertainment with Theodore. Lobster every single meal. Of course he got fat."
'These two little wolves really know how to work the system.'
"Hey!" Levi whined, but he was grinning.
---
As I stood up, I noticed the butler approaching Alexander.
"Alpha," he said formally. "The Elders have been waiting in your study for quite some time."
Alexander nodded curtly. "Understood. Take the pups inside. Let them play for a bit."
I said goodbye to the kids with promises to spend more time with them later, then Alexander took my hand and led me toward the main house.
The study doors were already open when we arrived. Edward, Anson, Cedric, and Richard were seated around the room.
Anson sat behind Alexander's desk, his usual stern demeanor softened slightly by what looked like pride in his eyes.
Alexander got straight to business. "Freya has completed her certification and passed with excellent scores. So regarding the mating ceremony between Freya and myself—"
The study door burst open, cutting him off mid-sentence.
The butler practically stumbled through the doorway, his face pale with panic.
"This is bad! This is very bad!" he gasped, struggling to catch his breath.